2 The following is added after section 147 and before the centred heading that follows it:

Meaning of "French-language services by-law"

147.1(1) In this section, a "French-language services by-law" means a by-law under which a municipality undertakes to ensure some or all of the following:

(a) that residents will be able to communicate with the municipality in the French language;

(b) that by-laws, minutes, agendas, public notices and other information and materials prepared by the municipality will be prepared and published in English and French;

(c) that the position of one or more municipal employees be designated as bilingual.

Maintaining French-language services by-law

147.1(2) A council may not repeal a French-language services by-law or amend it in a manner that reduces the availability of municipal services or documents in the French language without the approval of

(a) a majority of all members, plus one; and

(b) the minister.

Submission to minister

147.1(3) As soon as practicable after a by-law under subsection (2) is given second reading, the council must submit a certified copy of it to the minister.

No adoption until approved

147.1(4) The council must not give third reading to the by-law until the minister has approved it and provided the council with written notice of his or her approval.